Our Story Conference and Pan Afrikan Student Reunion This Weekend

This year, Gustavus Adolphus College will host its annual Our Story Conference in conjunction with a reunion of the Black Student Organization/Pan Afrikan Student Organization on Oct. 14 and 15, 2005. The topic of this year’s free, public conference is “Dispelling the Myths of Blacks in Our Society: Race Matters” and will feature keynote speaker Elena Featherstone, an educator, writer, and filmmaker. Featherstone is author of Weaving Change: A Guide to Personal and Political Transformation.

The schedule for the weekend includes:
Friday, Oct. 14
6 p.m. — Alumni Reunion Dinner / Three Crowns Room

Saturday, Oct. 15
10 a.m. — Our Story Conference worship service / Christ Chapel
10:45 a.m. — Welcome and Opening / Alumni Hall
11 a.m. — “Dispelling the Myths of Blacks in Our Society: Race Matters” by Elena Featherstone / Alumni Hall
12:15 p.m. and 2 p.m. — Concurrent Workshops on media and higher education / Various campus locations
1 p.m. — Networking luncheon
2:45 p.m. — Closing Address on overcoming obstacles in our society / Alumni Hall
6 p.m. — “Preparing for the Future by Remembering the Past” Dinner

Each year, the student-led Our Story Conference seeks to educate students, faculty, and members of surrounding communities through interactive workshops, lectures, and entertainment. The term “Our Story” comes into use as an aid to recognize that documented history has not always been accurate and truthful about the African descendent’s experience in the world. The annual event celebrates the rich heritage of the African Diaspora by increasing the awareness of the struggles and triumphs of its people.

This year, participants will have the unique opportunity of meeting and conversing with alumni of the college’s Black Student Organization/Pan Afrikan Student Organization. Together, they will explore African descendants’ past, present, and future.

For more information on the conference, contact the Diversity Center at (507) 933-7449 or this year’s conference student chair Cece Sowemimo at csowemim@gustavus.edu.